Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal during the group G match between Belgium and Panama at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, Monday, June 18, 2018. Lukaku scored twice in Belgium’s 3-0 victory. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano)

Romelu Lukaku bagged a brace as Belgium got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a comfortable win against World Cup debutants Panama.

After a goalless first half, Belgium, in the same group as England, broke the deadlock through Dries Merten’s brilliant volley.

Manchester United’s Lukaku doubled Belgium’s lead with a diving header after a delightful assist from Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne.

Lukaku added another six minutes later with a calm finish after a fine through ball by Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

After England’s 2-1 win over Tunisia on Monday night, Belgium sit in first place on goal difference while Panama and Tunisia are yet to get off the mark.

Belgium take on Tunisia in their second match on Saturday, 23 June (13:00 BST), before Panama are England’s second opponents a day later (13:00 BST).